VACCINES
CHRISTINA BATES ELIZABETH MCDONALD SHELLI ARNOLD WYNONA BENSON
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Contents
VACCINES
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HISTORY
SCOPE
SIDE EFFECTS
PAGE 02 \ THE HISTORY OF VACCINES
PAGE 06 \ LEARN ABOUT THE PROBLEM
PAGE 10 \ LEARN ABOUT TOXINS AND SIDE EFFECTS IN VACCINES
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SOLUTIONS
MEET OUR TEAM
CITATIONS
PAGE 16 \ LEARN ABOUT WHAT WE CAN DO TO MAKE THE MOST INFORMED DECISION
PAGE 20 \ MEET THE FOUR OF US
PAGE 27 \ LEARN WHERE WE GOT OUR PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION
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HISTORY
HISTORY Vaccines have become an essential component of overall health maintenance for people in the United States.
“Small Pox was rampant and took the lives of up to 50% of the people who contracted it.” The history of vaccines goes back over 200 years and can account for saving millions of lives world-wide. In the 1700’s, Small Pox was rampant 02
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and took the lives of up to 50% of the people who contracted it. In 1796, Edward Jenner noticed that cows who contracted minor cases of cowpox were less susceptible to the deadlier small pox (American Academy of Pediatrics). He tried a risky experiment with eight-year-old boy named James Phipps. He made a small scratch on the boy’s arm
EDWARD JENNER
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HISTORY
with a piece of material from a cowpox sore. A few weeks later, he made a new scratch, this time with material infected with small pox, hoping that the boy would be immuned, having already received the lesser disease. His experiment worked and ushered in the era of life-saving vaccinations. The United States, and much of the western world, has had marked success in eradicating many serious, life threatening diseases such as small pox, diphtheria, and polio; unfortunately, there are still parts of the world where these diseases are prevalent. With increasing globalization, the threat of an infected person bringing that disease to America’s shores is ever-present. Those who, for medical, religious, or personal reasons choose not to vaccinate, depend on herd immunity
“In recent years, the United States has seen outbreaks of diseases like Measles and Pertussis which are deadly to those who cannot be immunized.� 04
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which limits the potential spread of disease (HHS). Unfortunately, more and more people are deciding to pass on immunizations, many due to a now retracted study by Andrew Wakefield who purportedly discovered a link between the MMR vaccine and the onset of autism. His study consisted of 12 children of different ages and genders who received the MMR vaccine and then experienced intestinal inflammation which Wakefield hypothesized led to Autism. It was later discovered that, at least some of his participants, were children referred by lawyers who were in the process of representing a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical industry. Aside from the conflict of interest and the lack of sound scientific practice, his study has been peer reviewed multiple times and ultimately has been disproven. Denmark conducted one such study to investigate a potential link in the MMR vaccine to autism. Danish epidemiologists followed the cases of half a million children who both received and did not receive the MMR vaccine and saw no significant difference in the onset of autism with small children (Plotkin, Gerber and Offit). Thimerosal, an ingredient in some vaccinations, has also long been accused of being
HISTORY
VACCINES
partially responsible for autism. It was eliminated from vaccines in 1992. These same Danish scientists compared the numbers before and after Thimerosal’s removal and, again, saw no difference. The vaccine and autism debate is a passionate one on both sides. Many parents have seen a rapid deterioration in their children’s development within days or weeks of receiving the MMR vaccine. It doesn’t help that the CDC’s recommended age for administering the MMR vaccine coincides with the age that signs of autism typically emerge in small children (Mizner). Celebrities such as Jenny McCarthy have joined the fight against what they call “Big Pharma” in denouncing vaccinations and encouraging parents to do their research before having their children injected, and become educated on this important topic. In recent years, the United States has seen outbreaks of diseases like measles and pertussis which are deadly to those who cannot be immunized. Health professionals attribute these preventable outbreaks, and escalating deaths, with the increasingly popular decision to not immunize. Parents and caregivers have a responsibility to become educated on this important topic.
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SCOPE
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HILDHOOD HEALTH PROBLEMS ARE CLIMBING, WHICH INCLUDES AUTISM SPECTRUM, ASTHMA, ALLERGIES, AU-
TO-IMMUNE AND OTHER CHALLENGES.
Risk for being vaccinated? There are a few risks of being vaccinated and there are some benefits. Risks include being exposed to toxins the body cannot break down and metabolize. Benefits should not be taken lightly. When the majority (94%) of the population is vaccinated, there is a higher possibility of eradicating preventable diseases. There is also a great deal of safety and protection from those diseases that killed thousands before the vaccine was created. Containing diseases through vaccines Some diseases (like polio and diphtheria) are becoming very rare in the U.S‌.They are becoming rare largely because we have been vaccinating against them. But it is still reasonable to ask
VACCINES
“Some diseases (like polio and diphtheria) are becoming very rare in the U.S. … They are becoming rare largely because we have been vaccinating against them”
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whether it’s really worthwhile to keep vaccinating. It’s much like bailing out a boat with a slow leak. “When we started bailing, the boat was filled with water. But we have been bailing fast and hard, and now it is almost dry. We could say, ‘Good. The boat is dry now, so we can throw away the bucket and relax.’ But the leak hasn’t stopped. Before long we’d notice a little water seeping in, and soon it might be back up to the same level as when we started” (MT DPHHS, 2012). Some have questioned “Can’t we simply give a decreased dosage of the same vaccine?” In the graph comparing Canada and the USA, both countries had nearly similar percentage of children vaccinated -- Canada 93% and USA 94%. However, Canada gave a decreased dosage and experienced a sharp increase in the number of children contracting
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“More than 15,000 people died from diphtheria in 1921, before there was a vaccine. ... that was more than 5 times the number of casualties we experienced in the terrible terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001”
whooping cough. When compared to the USA, there is extreme difference in the number of incidences per 100,000 people. More than 15,000 people died from diphtheria in 1921, before there was a vaccine. That is 15,000 in one single year! Compare these statistics to only 2 people who died from diphtheria during the 10 years span between 2004-2014. Our country was completely shaken, yet few still living remember those terrible diseases. That was more than 5x the number of casualties we experienced in the terrible terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. This colored graphic shows how the exposure works. If only some people get vaccinated, the virus spreads. If most get vaccinated, the spreading is contained. Vaccinations are safe and effective. Almost all adverse events are
VACCINES
Since 1986, we have gone from 10 to 69 vaccines. There are more than 270 new vaccines in the pipeline right now. It serves parents well to consider not giving vaccinations that are not currently required. The vast majority of vaccinations are 85%-95% effective if received safely, however some parents are still concerned with the 5%-15% of vaccinations that can still cause problems. Parents who are concerned about vaccine safety can become informed about both the risks and benefits associated with each individual vaccine. Do this before the pressure of being in a physician’s office when the nurse has the vaccine in hand.
Be informed & Make wise decisions.
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SIDE EFFECTS
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VACCINES
Side Effects
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SIDE EFFECTS
easy to manage and are self-limited. Redness,
long-lasting effects); the rotavirus vaccine is liked
soreness, and slight swelling at the injection site
to risk of intussusception (an intestinal problem,
are normal and resolve within a few days. Because
but the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the small
the body’s immune system is busy building anti-
additional risk), and MMR and varicella cause
bodies against the inactive viruses, a slight fever
problems for immunocompromised children (such
often develops, and is to be expected.
as those with HIV or who have organ transplants. These children depend on herd immunity).
Are there any side effects? Serious side effects following vaccinations are very
Much has been said about the concerns of
rare, but there are still concerns from some parents
vaccinations being linked to autism in children.
about vaccines’ safety. Occasionally, as scientif-
About a third of autistic children show signs of
ic discoveries and breakthroughs are achieved,
the condition after a period of apparently normal
adjustments are made to further increase vaccine
development. Since this regression often appears
effectiveness and safety. For example, in the past,
in the child’s second year, coinciding with routine childhood immunizations, some parents blame
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“Researchers report that while it is biologically plausible that the mercury-containing preservative could cause autism, the evidence is inadequate to accept or reject a causal relationship”
vaccines. Parental concerns focus on two kinds of vaccines: MMR and those that contain thimerosal – a preservative made with ethyl-mercury that has been used in vaccines since the 1930’s. Researchers report that while it is biologically plausible that the mercury-containing preservative could cause autism, the evidence is inadequate to accept or reject a causal relationship. The fact remains, how-
the oral polio vaccine (OPV) was associated with a complication in which a few children developed polio after being vaccinated. This was still very rare, with only one in every million children affected, but because of this concern, the vaccine was changed to an inactive virus. Choosing not to immunize puts children at risk for diseases that can result in blindness, deafness, developmental delay, epilepsy, paralysis, and even death. The evidence does connect a few vaccines to side effects such as: MMR, pneumococcal conjugate 13 and flu. Vaccines are linked to small risks of febrile seizures (which can be alarming, but does not have
ever, that there has never been a direct link discovered between autism and vaccinations. The bottom line is that the disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children.
VACCINES
“The bottom line is that the disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children�
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SIDE EFFECTS
Despite medical breakthroughs vaccines have
protects others you care about. Children who are
provided for the overall health of individuals and
vaccinated don’t spread diseases to others.
communities alike, many parents decide not to vaccinate their children. With overwhelming evidence
Immunizations can save your family time and
that vaccines save lives, why is this so?
money. Unvaccinated children can be denied attendance at schools or child care facilities. Vac-
What could happen if I don’t get vaccinated?
cine-preventable diseases can result in disabilities
If the rate of immunizations decline, it can cause
and take a financial toll in lost time at work, medi-
a comeback of the infectious diseases that have
cal bills, and long-term disability care.
nearly been wiped out in the U.S. What about my parental rights?
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A recent example involves forty-two California
Because of the success of immunizations, most
cases of measles, one of the most highly infectious
parents have never seen a child with whooping
communicable diseases. These cases have been
cough, tetanus, polio, or meningitis, so they aren’t
“Immunizations save children’s lives. Some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children have been eliminated completely”
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linked to Disneyland, or Disney California Adventure
aware of how serious these diseases can be. Some
park in mid-December of 2015. The outbreak is
parents choose not to immunize because they
suspected to have started from either someone
don’t want to take any risks, but this is not without
from overseas, or someone visiting overseas. Ac-
risk. Their children could contract a vaccine-pre-
cording to the CDC, most measles cases reported
ventable illness, suffer problems, and transmit the
so far in 2015 have been part of the large, ongoing
disease to others. All states except for California,
outbreak, connected with these parks, where large
Mississippi, and West Virginia, do allow for reli-
numbers of people come in close contact with one
gious and philosophical exemptions from school
another. In consequence, unvaccinated people are
immunization requirements. Parents who still
being warned to avoid visiting Disneyland parks
choose not to vaccinate based on religious or per-
(Leifer, 2015).
sonal convictions can obtain a release from their pediatrician, and are informed of their rights and
Some diseases that once injured or killed thou-
responsibilities. These parents, however, are left to
sands of children have been eliminated completely
depend on herd immunity, which is on the decline,
– and others are close to extinction – primarily due
and to gamble on their children’s safety.
to safe and effective vaccines. Immunizations also
VACCINES
“Parents who still choose not to vaccinate base on religious or personal convictions can obtain a release from their pediatrician�
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SOLU TIONS
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HERE ARE A FEW SOLUTIONS THAT WILL HELP YOU MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN,.
AND TO HELP ACHIEVE WHAT ALL PARENTS WANT - A HAPPY, HEALTHY BABY.
Solution #1: Choose A Delayed Vaccine Schedule Parents who are concerned about the safety of vaccines can choose vaccines recommended to their infants at each well-check appointment. Doctors across the country are seeing a trend towards a “delayed vaccination schedule.” Dr. Bob Sears is one of the major proponents for such a schedule which delays immunizations until the baby is six-months old, and then follows with the infant receiving no more than two vaccines per visit and skipping certain vaccines entirely. In his book, The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your
SOLUTIONS
Child, Dr. Sears claims that parents have a respon-
rate information is vital. When determining whether
sibility to educate themselves on vaccine ingredi-
information is credible, always check the source.
ents and to take control over what is being injected
Sites that are generated by the government, such
into their children. Many parents have found solace
as the CDC, and local public health departments, or
in the notion that they are more educated and have
sources that stem from medical research facilities,
more power in the vaccination scenario.
such as Harvard Medical, focus on facts. Sources that are selling products, or use personal experi-
For parents considering this alternative to the
ences and opinions as the basis for their claims,
American Academy of Pediatrics and Center for
are generally biased. Use good judgement when
Disease Control recommended schedule, it is
gleaning information from the internet, and avoid
important to note that these schedules have been
sites that seem sensational in their claims.
compiled to provide the most immunity at the most critical times in infant development. Changing the
Your child’s healthcare provider is a credible source
schedule in any way can leave your child at risk.
for information. Feel free to ask questions regarding immunization schedules, adverse effects,
“Parents should always read through and understand the information before making decisions.” 18
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It is essential to research both schedules and the pros and cons of any change in the dispensing of immunizations. You can find recommended schedules at AAP.org and DrGreenMom.com. The child is open to risks of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases while waiting for the next shot. The recommended schedule gives the maximum amount of protection within the required
and vaccine ingredients. Your healthcare provider should have immunization information available, including information about exemptions, and are prepared to answer your questions. Parents should always read through and understand the information before making decisions. Being informed results in confident choices that are best for individual children and families. The CDC has many resources available for parents, parents-to-be, and anyone who would like to learn more about vaccinations. Direct web addresses
time between series.
can be found in the “additional information” sec-
Solution #2: Make Information Easily Accessible
information ready for parents, and be prepared to
Accurate, credible sources are how parents educate themselves on the benefits and disadvantages of immunizations. There is much information on the internet. Most it is helpful and factual, but a disadvantage is that much is misleading. When making important health decisions for children, accu-
tion. Doctors and nurses should have vaccination answer questions. Solution #3: Promote Healthy Lifestyle The ultimate motivation behind vaccine safety is concern for children’s health and well being. Vaccines are meant to help our immune system protect against diseases. Government agencies
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VACCINES
and Individuals (such as healthcare providers, teachers, and others), sould do more to promote and maintain a healthy lifestyle, where proper exercise and nutrition has been shown to boost the immune system. A healthy lifestyle will better boost a person’s individual immune system helping them to naturally defend and fight off infection and illness no matter the source. WebMD says the best way to boosting natural immunity comes through diet, exercise, and sleep. Their website has great information about how to improve immunity this way.
“Parents should always read through and understand the information before making decisions.” Some of WebMD’s suggestions are: Foods that assist the body in immunity are elderberries, watermelon, button mushrooms, lowfat yogurt, and spinach. Studies show that people who eat fruits and vegetables, get enough sleep (7-8 hours for adults, 9-10 hours for teens, and 11-12 hours for preschoolers), exercise and a maintain a positive attitude get sick less. While diet, exercise, and sleep improves immunity, it is not the same as a vaccination and shouldn’t be viewed as such. If this is the solution you choose for your children, precautions should still be taken when around others—especially when traveling.
A guide for healthcare providers in communicating with parents about immunizations: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/patient-ed/conversations/ downloads/talk-infants-color-office.pdf A CDC list of pages that address vaccine basics: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/vpd-vac-basics. html An explanation how vaccines are constantly being monitored for safety: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/conversations/ downloads/vacsafe-ensuring-color-office.pdf Guides for promoting healthy lifestyle: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/ boost-immune-system#1 https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ss/slideshow-immune-foods
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SECTION TITLE
Meet Our Team
MEET OUR TEAM
VACCINES
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LIZABETH TOOK ON THE ROLE OF RESEARCHING THE RAMIFICATIONS OF THE ISSUE, TAKING SPECIAL INTEREST IN WHY SOME PEOPLE CHOOSE TO NOT VACCINATE,
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE DID NOT VACCINATE THEIR CHILDREN. SHE TOOK PART IN MANY GROUP DISCUSSIONS THAT HELPED RAISE HER AWARENESS OF HOW STRONG PEOPLE FEEL ABOUT THEIR IMMUNIZATION CHOICES,
ELIZABETH MCDONALD PAGE 24 \ RESEARCHER
AS WELL AS PERFORMING WIDESPREAD RESEARCH ON BOTH SIDES OF THE PRO AND ANTI-VACCINE DEBATE. Bio: Elizabeth was born and raised on a large farm in Idaho. After graduating with an associate LPN at Brigham Young University in 1990, she served an LDS mission in Nagoya Japan teaching people about Christ. During this time, she developed a deep love and respect for Asian people, including their healthy lifestyle and the way they treasure their children. She has used the things she learned from her friends in Japan as a guide with her own two daughters and many years serving
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with the young women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She currently serves in the Relief Society organization, but still finds that all women everywhere need to be valued and treasured. She and her husband have been married for 25 years and are excited to welcome their first grandchild January, 2018. Strategic Research: Elizabeth researched vaccinating, delayed vaccinating, and the problem of not vaccinating. After studying over 50 articles from the online McKay Library resources, as well as information found on Google Scholar, she submitted graphs and charts for visual understanding of national repercussions associated with the topic. Elizabeth took time to speak with several people in the pediatric medical industry trying to become an “expert” on why people chose the vaccination method they do. Additionally, Elizabeth interviewed an elementary school nurse to see what kinds of vaccination issues she sees when children enter kindergarten and first grade from their parents choices.
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MEET OUR TEAM
VACCINES
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HELLI TOOK ON THE ROLE OF WRITER #2: RESEARCHING THE SCOPE OF THE ISSUE, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON STATISTICS. SHE ADDRESSED HOW THE PROBLEM OF DE-
CLINING IMMUNIZATIONS IS AFFECTING THE OVERALL HEALTH OF CHILDREN, AND OTHERS, WHO, FOR VARIOUS REASONS, CANNOT BE IMMUNIZED. SHE HELPED TO FIND SOURCES THAT WOULD EXPLAIN THE VACCINATION ISSUE, AND GRAPHICS
SHELLI ARNOLD PAGE 25 \ RESEARCHER
THAT WOULD ILLUSTRATE THE STATISTICAL INFORMATION. SHE CONTRIBUTED TO THE SOLUTIONS WITH A PHYSICIAN’S GUIDE TO BETTER COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS, AND SHE PARTICIPATED IN GROUP BRAINSTORMING SESSIONS, DISCUSSIONS, AND PROJECT PLANNING. Bio: Shelli lives in Lehi, Utah with her husband of 25 years, and their two daughters. She has an older married third daughter that lives close by in Saratoga Springs, and they all love to cook, eat, and shop together. They all love to spoil their 9-month old lab puppy, Jake. Shelli found
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her way back to online learning through the Pathways program after a 20-year hiatus. She began her secondary education back when BYU-I was Ricks College, and decided to take a break after earning her Associate’s degree to get married and raise her girls. Shelli has deeply loved her educational experience, has greatly increased her testimony through BYU-I’s learning model, and will miss the online learning experience when she graduates after this semester. The next chapter in her life will be to find a job so that she can fund her desire to travel. She plans to enjoy her future role as a grandmother, and to see the country in a cute Airstream trailer. Strategic Research: After much research and reading many articles, Shelli was able to compile statistical facts that explained the results of immunizations research over most of the 20th century. Using this information, she explained the scope that declining immunizations in recent decades has affected our children and society as a whole. Her interview with a nurse at a public health department further supported these facts, and emphasized the importance of immunizations.
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MEET OUR TEAM
VACCINES
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YNONA TOOK ON THE ROLE OF AN EDITOR, SPENDING MOST OF HER TIME DESIGNING AND EDITING. SHE RESEARCH AND PUT TOGETHER ALL THE INFORMA-
TION, AND TO PRESENT IT THE BEST THAT SHE COULD. SHE ALSO TOOK PART IN MANY GROUP DISCUSSIONS THAT HELPED RAISE HER AWARENESS OF THE PROS AND CONS ABOUT VACCINATIONS, AND RESEARCH ABOUT WHAT SHE CAN DO TO HELP
WYNONA BENSON PAGE 26 \ EDITOR
PEOPLE MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS. Bio: Wynona was born and raised in Hong Kong, where she met her husband. She is also a senior attending Brigham Young University -- Idaho, and is scheduled to graduate in 2018. Wynona attended Brigham Young University -- Hawaii for a year before she married the love of her life, and moved across the country with the U.S. Navy. She is a professional photographer, entrepreneur, mentor, and HR & PR professional. She and her husband have 3 children. When she is not busy with her role as a mother, she is creating art through different forms,
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and helping others to succeed in their career and business.
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Strategic Research: Wynona’s research includes researching different layout and design ideas, color coordinations, and the possible ideas on how to present the information the best that she could. And one of the most important task is to research high quality and applicable photos for the book, which makes the issue book easy to read and understand. Wynona also research and interviewed professionals to help with other team members.
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HRISTINA IS ONE OF THE WRITERS. SHE FOCUSED ON THE HISTORY OF VACCINES. SHE RESEARCHED ABOUT THE HISTORY OF VACCINES AND FOUNDED STORIES BE-
HIND THE INVENTION OF VARIES VACCINES AND THE REASON BEHIND THOSE WHO REFUSE TO BE VACCINATED. SHE ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO THE SOLUTIONS, SPECIFICALLY ON DELAYED VACCINE SCHEDULE. SHE PARTICIPATED IN GROUP BRAIN-
CHRISTINA BATES PAGE 27 \ RESEARCHER
STORMING SESSIONS, DISCUSSIONS, AND PROJECT PLANNING. Bio: Christina Bates Carrick is a mother of four young children. She was born and raised in California, but married a Utah man and currently lives in Spanish Fork where she and her husband are raising their young family. Christina served as a missionary for the LDS church in Santiago Chile where she learned to love the Spanish language and Chilean culture. She has travelled extensively and learned that, while there are many differences amongst the peoples of the world, at heart, our hopes and concerns are very similar. Christina is currently a
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student at BYU-Idaho where she is pursuing a dual degree in Communications and English. Strategic Research: Christina’s research focused on the history of immunizations, specifically seeking to understand why there is so much opposition to vaccines today. She interviewed a nurse in Oregon, a state with one of the lowest percentage of children who are immunized, and learned about the genuine fears and concerns parents have with modern-day immunizations. Based on this interview and the research done, she was able to more fully comprehend the evolution of perspectives on immunizations, and to have more empathy with those who feel they have their children’s best interest at heart on both sides of the issue.
VACCINES
Personal Reflections Elizabeth’s Reflections When my daughter was born 10 weeks premature, and I saw her tiny 3.2 pound body for the first time I
much shorter list. There are many, many questions parents and professionals have about linking vaccinations to other life altering health problems. In my research, I did not find any current third-party research that could prove or disprove those theories. Despite the many negative things written about vaccinations, the truth is that they work. Many millions of people have died because they do not have access to these vaccines. So dear reader, I urge you to continue to study every reputable resource you can find. Once you have
knew I would do anything to protect her life.
studied the information, think about it, talk with
This is not an uncommon feeling for parents. We
and the well being of all children. My hope is that
all want to protect our children. This is why many
this information will guide you in your search. May
of us agonize over the vaccination decision. In
you choose wisely and your family be kept safe.
other people who care deeply about YOUR child
my research I found a quote by John F. Kennedy that resonated with me, He said, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” I felt immediately that my daugh-
Shelli’s Reflections
ter’s health was in far too precarious of a place to
Taking care of our children and protecting them
begin vaccinations in the hospital. By the time she
from life’s dangers is the goal of every parent.
was one year old, she was running at top speeds,
Diseases that were feared and were, unfortunately,
but weighed just under 10 pounds. It took us an
the reality of almost every individual in generations
addition two years to get her weight to being “on
past, have now been nearly eradicated through the
the charts”.
blessing of immunizations. The statistics prove
Because of this circumstance, we did not begin vaccinating her until age three. We then did a “fasttrak” version of the CDC schedule so she would be able to enter school on time. Our second daughter was born quite healthy, and we vaccinated her on the CDC schedule. However, we only chose to have her receive the vaccinations that were required for school. This was a
that they are safe, effective, and save hundreds of thousands of lives. Vaccines’ success, has, unfortunately, produced an adverse effect in many of today’s parents: a disconnect to the horrific side effects these diseases can cause. Because most do not have personal experience with these effects, many decide to place their parental rights above the safety of their children. These rising numbers have produced lower vaccination rates, and the herd immunity that has previously protected our
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REFLECTIONS
most vulnerable, is disappearing at an astonishing
As a mother with young children, I am facing this
rate.
exact issue myself, and I urge parents that they will educate and learn about the pros and cons before
We have been blessed to have the knowledge
they make any decision.
and means to protect ourselves and our families against diseases that have killed millions in generations past. We are healthier than ever before, and I personally believe that this is to better help us ac-
Christina’s Reflections
complish Heavenly Father’s work. Any parent that
When my best friend’s son was 18 months old,
is unsure about immunizing their children should
he underwent a fast and drastic transformation
fully inform themselves with facts, and take their
from a talkative, happy child, to a non-verbal, tan-
concerns to the Lord in prayer. Future generations
trum-throwing little boy. It wasn’t long before the
could be at serious risk if we don’t place the safety
pediatrician encouraged her to face the reality that
of our children first and foremost.
her son had developed autism. I saw first-hand the feelings of fear and guilt that the immunizations
Wynona’s Reflections 26
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she had subjected him to were the cause of the autism.
I have always loved to be able to share my skills
At the time, I began to search the internet with her
and talents. This project has really helped me to
to better understand the issue. I became discour-
do that in a whole new level. I was able to use my
aged by the lack of information on the true cause
design, editing, and organization skills to help bring
of autism, and enraged at the irresponsible study
the book to life. Each of the team member has
done by Andrew Wakefield that has led so many
worked so hard, and spent a lot of time doing re-
parents, like my dear friend, to blame themselves
search. This has helped me to get an in depth view
for their children’s diagnoses.
on the vaccination issue, and to provide ways that we can possibly use to solve such issue.
I have first-hand experience looking at the realities on both sides of the immunization experience. As
Being educated is very important in order for us to
a mother, I consider education on this topic to be
make any kind of wise decision. It does not matter
a high priority. I encourage readers to consider the
what each individual decide, what matter is that
information presented here, to talk with your pedi-
decision is made after carefully evaluate the issue
atrician if you have further questions, and to stay
along with all the accurate information. There are
apprised of updates and progress within the realm
so many biased and misleading information nowa-
of medicine and immunizations.
days, and I am so happy I am able to do this project in hope that I can make a difference in the world by putting helpful and accurate information out there.
Citations
CITATIONS
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Human Services, 11 Oct. 2006, www.vaccines.gov/
“Talking with Parents about Vaccines for Infants
more_info/features/five-important-reasons-to-vac-
Strategies for Health Care Professionals.” CDC,
cinate-your-child.html.
2012. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/patient-ed/conversations/downloads/talk-infants-col-
“Weighing the Risks and Benefits.” HealthyChildren.
or-office.pdf
org, American Academy of Pediatrics, 21 Nov. 2015, www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-pre-
Digitale, Erin. “About Scope.” Scope Blog, Stan-
vention/immunizations/Pages/Weighing-the-Risks-
ford Medicine, 1 July 2014, scopeblog.stanford.
and-Benefits.aspx.
edu/2014/07/01/side-effects-of-childhood-vaccines-are-extremely-rare-new-study-finds/.
Zangger Eby, Amy. “Impacting Parental Vaccine Decision-Making.” Pediatric Nursing, vol. 43, no.
Fullerton-Lemons, Jane. “Vaccine Controversies:
1, Jan/Feb2017, pp. 22-34. EBSCOhost, search.
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